Delhi, India - November 30, 2024 - The air quality in India's capital has shown some improvement recently, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 300, a significant drop from the previous week's alarming levels exceeding 1700. Despite this, the current figures remain classified as 'unhealthy'.
The persistent pollution in Delhi is attributed to various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, construction activities, and seasonal agricultural burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Farmers traditionally burn crop residues, contributing substantially to the city's air quality deterioration.
Experts emphasize the need for political will to implement effective measures against chronic air pollution. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to managing the air quality in the region, suggesting that combining pollution data with meteorological conditions could help maintain lower pollution levels.
Industrial activities in and around Delhi, particularly in the automotive, chemical, and plastic sectors, also contribute significantly to emissions. Analysts argue that urgent action is needed to transition to cleaner fuels and reduce emissions from various sectors, including transport, energy, and construction.
Despite having a well-developed metro system, Delhi's public transport network still has significant gaps. Plans are underway to electrify 80% of the bus fleet, and many auto-rickshaws have switched from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, these efforts have not yet led to a decrease in private vehicle usage.
The city generates approximately 11,500 tons of waste daily, with only a fraction being processed or recycled. The majority ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental issues. Improved waste management practices are crucial for addressing pollution.
Political coordination between the central and local governments remains a challenge in addressing the air quality crisis. Disagreements over responsibility hinder the formation of a unified approach to tackling pollution.
Delhi's air quality monitoring systems are considered less stringent than international standards, complicating efforts to implement effective measures. Experts call for transparent data collection and reporting to facilitate realistic solutions and public engagement.
While cities like Beijing have successfully reduced pollution levels through strategic planning and renewable energy initiatives, Delhi continues to struggle. Historical examples from cities like London and Los Angeles serve as potential models for developing long-term strategies to combat air pollution.